How Much Does Dog Boarding / Pet Sitting Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Dog Boarding / Pet Sitting Include?
Dog boarding provides supervised care while you're away. Options range from basic kennel facilities to luxury pet resorts with webcams and private suites.
The national average cost for dog boarding / pet sitting is $45 per night. Most homeowners pay between $25 and $85, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Facility Type
Basic kennel: $25-$40/night. Mid-range: $40-$65/night. Luxury resort: $65-$100+/night
Pet Sitting
In-home pet sitter: $30-$60/night. Drop-in visits: $15-$25 each
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Facility type
- ✓Dog size
- ✓Holiday vs regular dates
- ✓Additional services (walks, playtime)
- ✓Medications needed
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Book well in advance for holidays (prices surge 20-50%)
- 2.Ask about multi-pet discounts
- 3.Consider in-home pet sitting as an alternative
- 4.Try Rover or Wag for more affordable options
📈 Dog Boarding / Pet Sitting Cost Trends (2022–2026)
Prices have increased +18.4% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $38 | — |
| 2023 | $40 | +5.3% |
| 2024 | $43 | +7.5% |
| 2025 | $44 | +2.3% |
| 2026 | $45 | +2.3% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Dog Boarding / Pet Sitting Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $21 | $37 | $70 |
| Alaska | $32 | $58 | $109 |
| Arizona | $24 | $43 | $81 |
| Arkansas | $20 | $36 | $68 |
| California | $34 | $61 | $115 |
| Colorado | $27 | $49 | $92 |
| Connecticut | $31 | $55 | $104 |
| Delaware | $26 | $47 | $89 |
| District of Columbia | $31 | $56 | $106 |
| Florida | $25 | $44 | $83 |
| Georgia | $23 | $41 | $77 |
| Hawaii | $36 | $64 | $121 |
| Idaho | $23 | $41 | $78 |
| Illinois | $26 | $47 | $89 |
| Indiana | $22 | $40 | $75 |
| Iowa | $22 | $39 | $73 |
| Kansas | $21 | $38 | $72 |
| Kentucky | $21 | $38 | $71 |
| Louisiana | $22 | $39 | $74 |
| Maine | $26 | $46 | $87 |
| Maryland | $29 | $52 | $98 |
| Massachusetts | $33 | $59 | $111 |
| Michigan | $23 | $41 | $78 |
| Minnesota | $26 | $46 | $87 |
| Mississippi | $20 | $35 | $66 |
| Missouri | $22 | $39 | $74 |
| Montana | $24 | $43 | $81 |
| Nebraska | $22 | $40 | $75 |
| Nevada | $26 | $46 | $87 |
| New Hampshire | $28 | $50 | $95 |
| New Jersey | $31 | $56 | $106 |
| New Mexico | $23 | $41 | $77 |
| New York | $33 | $59 | $112 |
| North Carolina | $23 | $41 | $77 |
| North Dakota | $23 | $41 | $77 |
| Ohio | $23 | $41 | $77 |
| Oklahoma | $21 | $37 | $71 |
| Oregon | $28 | $50 | $94 |
| Pennsylvania | $26 | $46 | $87 |
| Rhode Island | $29 | $52 | $98 |
| South Carolina | $22 | $39 | $74 |
| South Dakota | $21 | $38 | $72 |
| Tennessee | $22 | $39 | $73 |
| Texas | $23 | $42 | $79 |
| Utah | $24 | $43 | $81 |
| Vermont | $27 | $49 | $92 |
| Virginia | $26 | $47 | $89 |
| Washington | $29 | $52 | $98 |
| West Virginia | $20 | $36 | $68 |
| Wisconsin | $24 | $42 | $80 |
| Wyoming | $23 | $41 | $78 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book boarding?
For holidays: 2-3 months ahead. Regular dates: 1-2 weeks is usually fine.
🏙️ Dog Boarding / Pet Sitting Cost by City
Compare dog boarding / pet sitting costs in the most popular US cities:
View all 219 cities →
Related Cost Guides
💬 What Did You Pay?
Real costs reported by homeowners for Dog Boarding / Pet Sitting
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